Leclair, Dane W.

Pittsford; October 27, 2019. Passed away suddenly and accidentally at the age of 22. Survived by parents Paul and Rebecca Leclair; brother Douglas; sisters Aline and Natalie; grandparents Guy and Aline Leclair, Douglas and MaryJo Johnson; many aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends and awesome teammates. 

Dane was love, compassion and inspiration.  He had a sparkle in his eye and a smile that melted hearts.  He had a kindness at the youngest age and was sensitive beyond his years.  When he was little, he often just sat and cuddled in his mother’s arms. Dane waited by the window for his father to come home from work. He actually liked playing dress up with his sisters and made sure if he was wearing a tu tu or a princess dress that he had full make up to go with the look.  Dane was always, all in. When Dane played in the back yard with his older brother, no doubt he was trying to beat him at whatever game they were playing—but he was also never afraid to shed a tear when he was upset or lost.

As he grew, so did his competitiveness and athleticism.  He played CYO basketball and excelled at Little League.  In seventh grade at McQuaid Jesuit, he was introduced to volleyball with his mother Becky encouraging him to be a setter. She could see that he had “the touch” but he also quickly developed the power needed to rise above the net to hit and block.

Dane grew as a leader—both on the court and in the halls of McQuaid Jesuit. Not only did he have the physical stature to lead the way, but the natural ability to encourage others to follow him into battle.  Dane conveyed his message through passion.  In a huddle with Dane, you witnessed one of the most expressive and emphatic cheerleaders ever.  He loved being in the middle of the huddle.  

He was extremely proud to play for McQuaid Jesuit and the Pace Bootlegger Volleyball Club through his middle school and high school years.  Dane’s play was hallmarked by his energy and intensity.  Many wonderful coaches taught Dane volleyball skills and they all helped him develop skills that set him on his own course to become a coach.

Beside the two state championships he won with McQuaid Jesuit, the capstone of his high school career saw Dane named captain of the United States Youth Volleyball Team.  He led the US team over Cuba in the NORCECA Championship match in 2014.  Dane brought the USA crystal trophy home, literally his own home, and it proudly sits on the mantle.

In the midst of all his volleyball activity, Dane was the Senior Patrol leader of Boy Scout Troop 341 in Pittsford, New York and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout his Senior Year.  Dane’s Eagle project was building a fence at the Little League field to protect spectators from traffic. He would often pull out the card he carried in his wallet to prove he was an Eagle Scout.

Dane was recruited by and attended Loyola University in Chicago and was an honors student and volleyball player.  He was one of the most beloved student athletes on campus at Loyola and was named captain of the team his senior year.  He graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration Honors Degree in Information Systems, magna cum laude.

Soon after graduation in May of 2019, Dane joined the highly-touted University of Nebraska Women’s Volleyball team as a graduate assistant.  He was tasked with helping the athletes who were injured and needed rehabilitation. He provided hope and a vision to those who were hurting.  While at the University, he was pursuing a master’s in business administration.

Family meant everything to Dane and if you were in Dane’s circle, you were family.  Dane embraced you with his spirit and wrapped you in love.   He shared his own emotions and went the extra mile to give you a boost.  Dane was fun, included everyone, and we were all a little jealous that we couldn’t be more like Dane.  Thank you for taking us all on your journey, Son.  We just wish it could have lasted longer.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 31, 2019 3-7PM at The Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY 14450. Funeral Mass Friday, November 1, 2019 2PM at St.John of Rochester Church (8 Wickford Way, Pittsford, NY 14450).

If you are interested in joining the Funeral Celebration online on Friday, November 1 at 2pm, go to “https://www.stjohnfairport.org/” and click on the link “Live Stream Weekend Mass.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dane Leclair Memorial Volleyball Scholarship Fund c/o McQuaid Jesuit, 1800 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618, or online at https://mcquaid.org/dane-leclair/